Cooktop appliance with alignment bracket

ABSTRACT

A cooktop appliance includes a panel defining a plurality of openings. Alignment slots defined in the panel and are positioned adjacent one opening of the plurality of openings. The cooktop appliance also includes a plurality of control valves mounted to the panel, each including a spark switch and a stem. The stem of each control valve extends through the panel at one corresponding opening. The cooktop appliance further includes a plurality of knobs, each knob mounted to a respective one control valve. The cooktop appliance also includes an alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve and the panel. The alignment bracket includes a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion extends through a respective one of the plurality of alignment slots.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to cooktop appliances, such as gas cooktop appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gas cooktop appliances generally include multiple gas burners mounted to a top panel. A user of the cooktop appliances may regulate fuel flow to the gas burners by adjusting control valves associated with the gas burners. Certain gas cooktop appliances includes knobs coupled to the control valves. The user may rotate the knobs to open and close the control valves and thereby regulate fuel flow to the gas burners.

It is generally preferred, e.g., for aesthetics, to have the knobs of such cooktop appliances aligned, e.g., colinear along a line parallel to the longest side of a control panel. However, properly aligning the knobs on the gas cooktop's panel can be difficult. A misaligned knob or knobs can be visually displeasing.

Accordingly, a cooktop appliance with features for aligning a plurality of knobs with each other and with a panel of the cooktop appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance includes a panel defining a plurality of openings. A plurality of alignment slots are defined in the panel. The plurality of alignment slots are each positioned adjacent one opening of the plurality of openings. The cooktop appliance also includes a plurality of control valves mounted to the panel. Each control valve of the plurality of control valves includes a spark switch and a stem. The stem of each control valve extends through the panel at one corresponding opening of the plurality of openings of the panel. The cooktop appliance further includes a plurality of knobs. Each knob is mounted to the stem of a respective one control valve of the plurality of control valves and is positioned opposite the spark switch of the respective one control valve about the panel. The cooktop appliance also includes an alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel. The alignment bracket includes an aperture, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion positioned opposite the first protrusion about the aperture. The stem of the one control valve extends through the aperture. The first protrusion of the alignment bracket extends through a first alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots and the second protrusion of the alignment bracket extends through a second alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots.

In another exemplary embodiment, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance includes a panel defining a plurality of openings. A plurality of alignment slots are defined in the panel. The plurality of alignment slots are each positioned adjacent one opening of the plurality of openings. The cooktop appliance also includes a plurality of control valves mounted to the panel. Each control valve of the plurality of control valves includes a spark switch and a stem. The stem of each control valve extends through the panel at one corresponding opening of the plurality of openings of the panel. The cooktop appliance further includes a plurality of knobs. Each knob is mounted to the stem of a respective one control valve of the plurality of control valves and is positioned opposite the spark switch of the respective one control valve about the panel. The cooktop appliance also includes an alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel. The alignment bracket includes a plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions of the alignment bracket extends through a respective one of the plurality of alignment slots.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a range appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a top view of the exemplary range appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a control panel assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter and as may be used with the exemplary range appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 provides an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a control panel assembly, such as the exemplary control panel assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 provides a front view of the portion of the control panel assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a portion of a manifold pipe with a control valve and an alignment bracket attached thereto, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter and as may be used with the exemplary control panel assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the manifold pipe of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of an exemplary control valve as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of an exemplary alignment bracket according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly such as the exemplary control panel assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10 provides a front view of a portion of an exemplary control panel as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly such as the exemplary control panel assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of exemplary first and second manifold pipes with respective control valves and alignment brackets attached thereto as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly, according to one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 12 provides a perspective view of the components illustrated in FIG. 11 with the alignment brackets omitted to more clearly depict other elements positioned therebehind.

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an exemplary alignment bracket as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 14 provides a front view of an exemplary control panel according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter as may be incorporated into a control panel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary appliance will be described in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter. FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a range appliance 100 as may be employed with the present subject matter. FIG. 2 provides a top, plan view of range appliance 100. Range appliance 100 includes an insulated cabinet 110. As illustrated, range appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Cabinet 110 defines an upper cooking chamber 120 and a lower cooking chamber 122. Thus, range appliance 100 is generally referred to as a double oven range appliance. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, range appliance 100 is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable cooktop appliance, e.g., a single oven range appliance or a standalone cooktop appliance. Thus, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any particular cooking chamber configuration or arrangement.

Upper and lower cooking chambers 120 and 122 are configured for the receipt of one or more food items to be cooked. Range appliance 100 includes an upper door 124 and a lower door 126 rotatably attached to cabinet 110 in order to permit selective access to upper cooking chamber 120 and lower cooking chamber 122, respectively. Handles 128 are mounted to upper and lower doors 124 and 126 to assist a user with opening and closing doors 124 and 126 in order to access cooking chambers 120 and 122. As an example, a user can pull on handle 128 mounted to upper door 124 to open or close upper door 124 and access upper cooking chamber 120. Glass window panes 130 provide for viewing the contents of upper and lower cooking chambers 120 and 122 when doors 124 and 126 are closed and also assist with insulating upper and lower cooking chambers 120 and 122. Heating elements (not shown), such as electric resistance heating elements, gas burners, microwave heating elements, halogen heating elements, or suitable combinations thereof, are positioned within upper cooking chamber 120 and lower cooking chamber 122 for heating upper cooking chamber 120 and lower cooking chamber 122.

Range appliance 100 also includes a cooktop 140. Cooktop 140 is positioned at or adjacent a top portion of cabinet 110. Thus, cooktop 140 is positioned above upper and lower cooking chambers 120 and 122. Cooktop 140 includes a top panel 142. By way of example, top panel 142 may be constructed of glass, ceramics, enameled steel, and combinations thereof.

For range appliance 100, a utensil holding food and/or cooking liquids (e.g., oil, water, etc.) may be placed onto grates 152 at a location of any of burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150. Burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150 provide thermal energy to cooking utensils on grates 152. As shown in FIG. 1 , burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150 can be configured in various sizes so as to provide e.g., for the receipt of cooking utensils (i.e., pots, pans, etc.) of various sizes and configurations and to provide different heat inputs for such cooking utensils. Grates 152 are supported on a top surface 158 of top panel 142. Range appliance 100 also includes a griddle burner 160 positioned at a middle portion of top panel 142, as may be seen in FIG. 2 . A griddle may be positioned on grates 152 and heated with griddle burner 160.

A user interface panel 154 is located within convenient reach of a user of the range appliance 100. For this exemplary embodiment, user interface panel 154 includes knobs 156 that are each associated with one of burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150 and griddle burner 160. Knobs 156 allow the user to activate each burner assembly and determine the amount of heat input provided by each burner assembly 144, 146, 148, 150 and griddle burner 160 to a cooking utensil located thereon. User interface panel 154 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices that deliver certain information to the user such as e.g., whether a particular burner assembly is activated and/or the rate at which the burner assembly is set.

Although shown with knobs 156, it should be understood that knobs 156 and the configuration of range appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 are provided by way of example only. More specifically, user interface panel 154 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety of touch-type controls, electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads, e.g., in addition to knobs 156. The user interface panel 154 may include other display components, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a control panel assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Control panel assembly 200 may be used in or within any suitable cooktop appliance. For example, control panel assembly 200 may be used in or within range appliance 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , e.g., the user interface panel 154 may be received in the large central aperture of the panel 210 as seen, e.g., in FIG. 3 . Thus, control panel assembly 200 is discussed in greater detail below in the context of range appliance 100. Further, the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T may also or instead be defined by and/or relative to the control panel assembly 200. For example, when the control panel assembly 200 is incorporated into the range appliance 100, the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T noted in FIGS. 3 through 14 correspond to and/or are aligned with the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

As may be seen in FIG. 3-14 , control panel assembly 200 includes a panel 210 and a plurality of control valves 230, where a plurality of knobs (e.g., knobs 156) may each be mounted to a respective stem 234 of one of the control valves 230. Thus, the knobs and the control valves 230 are paired in one-to-one correspondence, e.g., each knob is connected to one corresponding control valve 230 and each control valve 230 has a single knob connected thereto. Panel 210 may be part of top panel 142 of range appliance 100 (FIG. 1 ) or may be separate from top panel 142. Panel 210 defines an outer surface 212. For example, the outer surface 212 of panel 210 may face away from the interior of range appliance 100. Panel 210 also defines a plurality of openings 216. Each opening 216 of panel 210 extends through panel 210, e.g., from outer surface 212 to an opposing inner surfaces of panel 210.

Each paired knob and control valve 230 are positioned at or adjacent one of the openings 216 of panel 210. As an example, the paired knob and control valve 230 may be positioned opposite each other about panel 210. In particular, each knob may be positioned at or adjacent outer surface 212 of panel 210 proximate opening 216 of panel 210, and each respective control valve 230 may be positioned on an opposite side (e.g., at or adjacent an inner surface) of the panel 210 proximate the same opening 216 of panel 210 as the knob with which the control valve 230 is connected.

Each control valve 230 includes a valve body 232 (FIG. 8 ) and a stem 234. The plurality of control valves 230 are all coupled to a manifold pipe 236 or 244 (FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The valve body 232 of each control valve 230 of the plurality of control valves 230 is configured for housing various components of the control valve 230 that regulate a flow of gaseous fuel, such as propane or natural gas, from manifold pipe 236 or 244 to one of burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150. In particular, each control valve 230 is selectively adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the control valve 230 blocks gaseous fuel flow from manifold pipe 236. Conversely, each control valve 230 permits gaseous fuel flow from manifold pipe 236 or 244 in the open configuration. Each stem 234 extends from the valve body 232 through panel 210 at one opening 216 of panel 210. Each knob is coupled (e.g., mounted to) the corresponding one control valve 230 at the stem 234 thereof. Each control valve 230 defines an axial direction along a length of stem 234, e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the stem 234 that extends through the geometric center of the stem 234. A user may rotate a knob in order to adjust the control valve 230 paired therewith between the open and closed configurations. A fuel line (not shown) extends from valve body 232 to one of burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150 in order to supply fuel from valve body 232 to the corresponding burner assembly.

Each control valve 230 may be mounted to the panel 210. For example, each valve body 232 may be coupled to manifold pipe 236 or 244, and one or more alignment brackets 250 may also be connected to the manifold pipe(s) 236 or 244. The alignment bracket(s) 250 may in turn be mounted to panel 210. In such a manner, control valves 230 may be connected and mounted to panel 210 via the manifold pipe 236 and the alignment bracket 250.

Control panel assembly 200 also includes a plurality of spark switches 260 (see, e.g., FIG. 8 ). For example, each control valve 230 may have a spark switch 260 mounted thereon and/or incorporated therein. Each spark switch 260 is configured for electrically connecting a power supply to an igniter at one of burner assemblies 144, 146, 148, 150. In particular, spark switch 260 may be configured for closing an electrical circuit to the igniter when a user rotates the respective knob such that control valve 230 is in the open configuration, and spark switch 260 may be configured for opening the electrical circuit to the igniter when the user rotates the knob such that control valve 230 is in the closed configuration. In such a manner, spark switch 260 may assist with igniting gaseous fuel at burners of range appliance 100, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the panel 210 including five openings 216 defined therethrough, which may each accept one control valve 230 of the plurality of control valves 230, such as each valve stem 234 of five control valves 230 may extend through a respective one of the five openings 216 in the panel 210. As will be described in more detail below, one or more of the openings 216 may have alignment slots, e.g., two or more of a first alignment slot 270, a second alignment slot 272 and a third alignment slot 274, associated therewith, e.g., positioned adjacent thereto. For example, the alignment slots may be associated with and/or positioned adjacent to an opening 216 when the alignment slots are each much closer to the particular opening 216 than to every other opening 216.

In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the plurality of openings 216 may include a first plurality 215 of openings 216 and a second plurality 217 of openings 216. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 are a plurality of alignment slots in the panel 210. In particular, the exemplary embodiment of a panel 210 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes two sets of two alignment slots. Each set of two alignment slots includes a first alignment slot 270 and a second alignment slot 272. One set of alignment slots is positioned adjacent to an opening 216 of the first plurality 215 of openings 216, and the other set of alignment slots is positioned adjacent to an opening 216 of the second plurality 217.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a partially assembled control panel assembly 200. In particular, the knobs are not installed in FIG. 3 , e.g., FIG. 3 depicts the panel 210 with a plurality of control valves 230, e.g., five control valves in this example, mounted therebehind, such that the valves stems 234 of the control valves 230 each extend through a respective opening 216 in the panel 210. A first alignment bracket 250 is positioned behind the panel 210 at the one opening 216 of the first plurality 215 of openings 216 associated with the one set of alignment slots and a second alignment bracket 250 is positioned behind the panel 210 at the one opening 216 of the second plurality 217 of openings 216 associated with the other set of alignment slots, whereby protrusions of the alignment brackets 250 may be seen, e.g., extending through the alignment slots. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket 250 may include a plurality of protrusions thereon, such as a first protrusion 252 and a second protrusion 254 which may be seen extending through the respective alignment slots 270 and 272 in the panel 210 in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 4 provides an enlarged perspective view of an opening 216, which may be the one opening 216 of the first plurality 215 of openings 216 or the one opening 216 of the second plurality 217, as well as a first alignment slot 270 and a second alignment slot 272 associated with the one opening 216, and FIG. 5 provides an enlarged front elevation view of the one opening 216. As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 in particular, the first protrusion 252 of the alignment bracket 250 extends through the corresponding first alignment slot 270 in the panel 210 and the second protrusion 254 of the alignment bracket 250 extends through the corresponding second alignment slot 272 in the panel 210. The protrusions 252, 254 and the alignment slots 270, 272 may thereby constrain linear, e.g., translational, movements of the control valves 230 and panel 210. For example, the first protrusion 252 and the first alignment slot 270 may, when the first protrusion 252 extends through the first alignment slot 270, fit together and/or interengage to cooperatively provide translational control of the control valves 230 and the panel 210, e.g., the first protrusion 252 and the first alignment slot 270 may cooperatively restrict or prevent relative translational movement between the control valves 230 and the panel 210, such as along the lateral direction L. Also by way of example, the second protrusion 254 and the second alignment slot 272 may, when the second protrusion 254 extends through the second alignment slot 272, fit together and/or interengage to cooperatively provide translational control of the control valves 230 and the panel 210, e.g., the second protrusion 254 and the second alignment slot 272 may cooperatively restrict or prevent relative translational movement between the control valves 230 and the panel 210, such as along the vertical direction V. Additionally, it should be noted that the two protrusions 252 and 254 and two corresponding alignment slots 270 and 272 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are non-limiting, e.g., the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may also include additional protrusions and additional corresponding alignment slots, such as a third protrusion and a third alignment slot associated with an opening 216 adjacent to the exemplary opening 216 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 (the adjacent opening and associated alignment slot and protrusion would be outside of the view area in the enlarged views of FIGS. 4 and 5 ).

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of some components of an exemplary control panel assembly 200. In particular, FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a portion of a manifold pipe 236, a plurality of control valves 230, e.g., a second plurality 231 of control valves 230, and an alignment bracket 250 associated with one control valve 230 of the second plurality 231. Also as may be seen in FIG. 6 , the exemplary alignment bracket 250 is coupled to the manifold pipe 236. The one control valve 230 associated with the alignment bracket 250 extends partially through the alignment bracket 250. For example, the spark switch 260 of the one control valve 230 may be positioned on one side of the alignment bracket 250 while the valve stem 234 of the one control valve 230 is positioned on an opposite side of the alignment bracket 250. For example, the control valve 230, e.g., the stem 234 thereof, may extend through an aperture 280 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 9 ) in the alignment bracket 250. As explained in further detail below, the spark switch 260 may be accessible through an aperture 280 or 282 in the alignment bracket 250.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary manifold pipe 236 and first and second alignment brackets 250 attached thereto. In some embodiments, the manifold pipe 236 may extend from a first end 240 to a second end 242. In some embodiments, the manifold pipe 236 may be a single manifold pipe 236, e.g., the only manifold pipe 236 included in the range appliance 100. In such embodiments, the plurality of control valves 230 may include a first plurality 229 of control valves 230 coupled to the single manifold pipe 236 at the first end 240 of the single manifold pipe 236 and a second plurality 231 of control valves 230 coupled to the single manifold pipe 236 at a second end 242 of the single manifold pipe 236. For example, first plurality 229 of control valves 230 may be positioned “at” the first end 240 of the manifold pipe 236 when the first plurality 229 of control valves 230 are each closer to the first end 240 than to the second end 242 and/or are each on the same side of a midpoint, e.g., a lateral midpoint halfway between the first end 240 and the second end 242 along the lateral direction L, of the manifold pipe 236 as the first end 240 of the manifold pipe 236. Similarly, the second plurality 231 of control valves 230 may be positioned “at” the second end 242 in the same sense. Such embodiments may also include a first alignment bracket 250 positioned between the spark switch 260 of one control valve 230 of the first plurality 229 of control valves 230 and the panel 210, as well as a second alignment bracket 250 between the spark switch 260 of one control valve 230 of the second plurality 231 of control valves 230 and the panel 210.

An individual exemplary control valve 230 of the control panel assembly 200 is illustrated in isolation in FIG. 8 to more clearly show certain details thereof. FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of an exemplary control valve 230, e.g., a representative one of the plurality of control valves 230, it being understood that each control valve 230 is generally similar (e.g., other than position) to the example control valve 230 illustrated in FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 9 and 13 provide perspective views of exemplary embodiments of the alignment bracket 250. In some embodiments, e.g., as may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 13 , the alignment bracket 250 may include a top flange 257 and a front panel 258. The alignment bracket 250 may also include one or more apertures, e.g., in the front panel 258. The aperture 280, or aperture 280 and 282, may be open apertures, e.g., may extend along the vertical direction to an outer peripheral edge of the front panel 258 of the alignment bracket 250, whereby the aperture(s) are open at the outer peripheral edge of the alignment bracket 250, e.g., a bottom edge of the front panel 258 of the alignment bracket 250. The aperture 280, or each aperture 280 and 282 in embodiments where two apertures are provided, may be sufficiently large to promote access to the spark switch 260 behind the alignment bracket 250. For example, the aperture(s) 280 or 282 may be open ended as described above to promote access to the spark switch 260, and the aperture(s) 280 or 282 may be wide to promote access to the spark switch 260, such as the aperture 280 or 282 may extend across the majority of a lateral dimension, e.g., width, of the alignment bracket 250, such as from the first projection 252 to the second projection 254 across more than three quarters of the width of the alignment bracket. In embodiments where the alignment bracket 250 includes the first aperture 280 and the second aperture 282, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the apertures 280 and 282 may collectively define a width that is at least three quarters of the overall width of the alignment bracket 250 as a whole.

In some embodiments, e.g., as may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 13 , the protrusions may each generally define an elongated shape, e.g., a shape having a major axis or dimension which is larger than and generally perpendicular to a smaller minor axis or minor dimension. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes protrusions in the form of tabs, where each of the exemplary tabs defines a rectangular cross-section, e.g., in a plane that is generally parallel to the outer surface 212 of the panel 210. Accordingly, the tabs (which are an embodiment of protrusions) each have an orientation, e.g., a direction that the major dimension of each tab is oriented along and/or parallel to. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of tabs may include at least one lateral tab and at least one vertical tab, e.g., at least one tab having a major dimension oriented generally parallel to the lateral direction L and at least one tab having a major dimension oriented generally parallel to the vertical direction V.

Also by way of example, in some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the alignment bracket 250 may further include a third tab 256. The three tabs may include a first tab 252 and third tab 256 that are each oriented along a first direction, e.g., the vertical direction V as illustrated in FIG. 13 , and a second tab 254 oriented along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, e.g., the lateral direction L as illustrated in FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, the tab which is oriented along a different direction than the direction along which the other tabs are oriented, e.g., the lateral second tab 254 in FIG. 13 , may be positioned between the other two tabs. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the second tab 254 may be positioned between the first tab 252 and the third tab 256, such as along the lateral direction L. Other orientations and combinations of orientations are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure, such as two lateral tabs and one vertical tab, etc.

FIG. 10 provides a front elevation view of a panel 210 such as may be used in conjunction with a single manifold pipe 236, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In such embodiments, each set of alignment slots (such as two sets as illustrated in FIG. 10 ) may consist of a first alignment slot 270 and a second alignment slot 272. Such sets of two (and only two) alignment slots may be suitable for use with one or more alignment brackets 250 having only a single aperture 280 and only two protrusions, e.g., first protrusion 252 and second protrusion 254, such as the exemplary alignment bracket 250 illustrated in FIG. 9 .

In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7, and 10 , more than three protrusions may be provided, such as four protrustions, e.g., two sets of two protrusions on two alignment brackets 250, in combination with a single rigid manifold pipe such as manifold pipe 236. In such embodiments, e.g., where the manifold pipe is a single rigid manifold pipe, three protrusions may collectively provide a locating function, e.g., three protrusions may collectively provide the desired alignment of the valves 230, e.g., stems 234 thereof, with the panel 210 and the respective openings 216 therein.

FIG. 11 provides a perspective view of components of a control assembly 200 according to one or more additional exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 provides another perspective view of the components of FIG. 11 with the alignment brackets 250 omitted in order to more clearly illustrate other components therebehind, such as the control valves 230 and spark switches 260. In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the control assembly 200 may include a first manifold pipe 236 and a second manifold pipe 244. The first and second manifold pipes 236 and 244 may be spaced apart along the lateral direction L and may be generally colinear along the lateral direction L. In particular, such collinearity of the first and second manifold pipes 236 and 244 may be promoted by the alignment brackets 250, e.g., the alignment brackets 250 may constrain rotation of the first and second manifold pipes 236 and 244, such as rotation of each manifold pipe 236 and 244 about a respective fitting 246 and 248. For example, the alignment bracket 250 may include one or more additional protrusions, e.g., a third protrusion 256, in some embodiments and the additional, e.g., third, protrusion helps to constrain the rotation of manifold pipes 236 and 244 about the fittings 246 and 248 as mentioned. In some embodiments, the third protrusion 256 may be elongated, e.g., may be a tab, and thereby have an orientation, as described above. In particular, the third protrusion 256 may be vertically oriented. In such embodiments, the first protrusion 252 may also be vertically oriented, e.g., oriented generally parallel to the vertical direction V and/or to the third protrusion 256. The first protrusion 252 and the third protrusion 256 may be positioned at opposite ends of the set of protrusions, e.g., with the second protrusion 254 therebetween. Thus, the two vertical protrusions 252 and 256 may collectively limit or constrain the rotation of each manifold pipe 236 and 244 about the respective fitting 246 and 248.

As may be seen, e.g., in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first manifold pipe 236 and the second manifold pipe 244 may be spaced apart and may be in fluid communication, e.g., such that fuel for the burners of the range appliance may flow therebetween as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, through a connecting pipe 284. In such embodiments, the plurality of control valves 230 may include a first plurality 229 of control valves 230 coupled to the first manifold pipe 236 and a second plurality 231 of control valves 230 coupled to the second manifold pipe 244. Also as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first manifold pipe 236 may be coupled to the connecting pipe 284 by a first fitting 246 at a first end of the connecting pipe 284 and the second manifold pipe 244 may be coupled to the connecting pipe 284 by a second fitting 248 at a second end of the connecting pipe 284 opposite the first end of the connecting pipe 284.

Such embodiments may further include a second alignment bracket 250, such as a first alignment bracket 250 positioned between the spark switch 260 of one control valve 230 of the first plurality 229 of control valves 230 and the panel 210 and a second alignment bracket 250 between the spark switch 260 of one control valve 230 of the second plurality 231 of control valves 230 and the panel 210. Additionally, in such embodiments the alignment bracket(s) 250 may be larger, e.g., than in embodiments where the alignment bracket 250 includes only two protrusions. For example, the alignment bracket 250 may be positioned between two control valves 230 and the panel 210. The two control valves may be, for example, two adjacent control valves 230 each belonging to the same group, e.g., first plurality 229 or second plurality 231, of control valves 230. In such embodiments, the alignment bracket 250 may also include two apertures to accommodate the two control valves.

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an exemplary alignment bracket 250 according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter. In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the alignment bracket 250 may include a first aperture 280, e.g., through which a first control valve 230, such as the stem 234 thereof, may extend and a second aperture 282, e.g., through which a second control valve 230, such as an adjacent control valve 230 as noted above, may extend. As mentioned, the alignment bracket 250 may include three protrusions. The three protrusions may include two protrusions which are associated with the same aperture 280 or 282, and thus will extend through two alignment slots of the panel 210 that are associated with the same opening 216 of the panel 210 when the control assembly 200 is assembled. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , the alignment bracket 250 may include a first protrusion 252, a second protrusion 254, and a third protrusion 256.

In some embodiments, the first protrusion 252 and the second protrusion 254 may be grouped together, e.g., both positioned adjacent the same aperture 280 while the third protrusion 256 is positioned adjacent the other aperture 282, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13 . In such embodiments, the first and second alignment slots 270 and 272 of the panel 210, which correspond with the first and second protrusions 252 and 254, may both be associated with, e.g., positioned adjacent to, the same opening 216 of the panel 210. In other embodiments, the second protrusion 254 and the third protrusion 256 may be grouped together, e.g., both positioned adjacent to the same aperture 282 while the first protrusion 252 is positioned adjacent to the other aperture 280. In such embodiments, the second and third alignment slots 272 and 274 of the panel 210, which correspond with the second and third protrusions 254 and 256, may both be associated with, e.g., positioned adjacent to, the same opening 216 of the panel 210, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 14 provides a front elevation view of a panel 210 such as may be used in conjunction with a first manifold pipe 236 and a second manifold pipe 244, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 and/or with one or more alignment brackets 250 having three protrusions, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 13 . Thus, the panel 210 may have three alignment slots defined therein or multiple sets of three alignment slots, for receiving three protrusions of one alignment bracket 250 or the protrusions of multiple alignment brackets 250 each having three protrusions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 , the panel 210 includes two sets of three alignment slots, e.g., the panel 210 includes a first alignment slot 270, a second alignment slot 272 and a third alignment slot 274 associated with one opening 216 of the first plurality 215 of openings 216, and another first alignment slot 270, another second alignment slot 272 and another third alignment slot 274 associated with one opening 216 of the second plurality 217 of openings 216. Accordingly, the panel 210 of FIG. 14 may be usable with alignment brackets 250 each having first, second, and third protrusions 252, 254, and 256, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13 . Such alignment brackets 250 may, in turn, be usable with assemblies including multiple manifold pipes, e.g., first and second manifold pipes 236 and 244 having a first and second plurality 229 and 231 of control valves 230 (respectively) connected to the first and second manifold pipes 236 and 244, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 . For example, as noted above, the alignment brackets 250 having three protrusions may advantageously constrain rotation of each manifold pipe 236 and 244 about a respective fitting 246 or 248, e.g., the alignment bracket 250 connected to the first manifold pipe 236 may constrain rotation of the first manifold pipe 236 about the first fitting 246, and the alignment bracket 250 connected to the second manifold pipe 244 may constrain rotation of the second manifold pipe 244 about the second fitting 248.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooktop appliance, comprising: a panel defining a plurality of openings; a plurality of alignment slots defined in the panel, the plurality of alignment slots positioned adjacent one opening of the plurality of openings; a plurality of control valves mounted to the panel, each control valve of the plurality of control valves comprising a spark switch and a stem, the stem of each control valve extending through the panel at one corresponding opening of the plurality of openings of the panel; a plurality of knobs, each knob mounted to the stem of a respective one control valve of the plurality of control valves and positioned opposite the spark switch of the respective one control valve about the panel; and an alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel, the alignment bracket comprising an aperture, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion positioned opposite the first protrusion about the aperture, the stem of the one control valve extending through the aperture, the first protrusion of the alignment bracket extending through a first alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots, and the second protrusion of the alignment bracket extending through a second alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots.
 2. The cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of control valves are coupled to a single manifold pipe, the plurality of control valves comprising a first plurality of control valves coupled to the single manifold pipe at a first end of the single manifold pipe and a second plurality of control valves coupled to the single manifold pipe at a second end of the single manifold pipe, wherein the alignment bracket is a first alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the first plurality of control valves and the panel, further comprising a second alignment bracket between the spark switch of one control valve of the second plurality of control valves and the panel.
 3. The cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein the plurality of control valves comprises a first plurality of control valves coupled to a first manifold pipe and a second plurality of control valves coupled to a second manifold pipe, the first manifold pipe coupled to a connecting pipe by a first fitting at a first end of the connecting pipe, the second manifold pipe coupled to the connecting pipe by a second fitting at a second end of the connecting pipe, wherein the alignment bracket is a first alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the first plurality of control valves and the panel, further comprising a second alignment bracket between the spark switch of one control valve of the second plurality of control valves and the panel.
 4. The cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is a lateral protrusion and the other of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is a vertical protrusion.
 5. The cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein the alignment bracket further comprises a third protrusion, the third protrusion positioned opposite the first protrusion about the aperture, and wherein the first protrusion and the third protrusion are each oriented along a first direction, and the second protrusion is oriented along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.
 6. The cooktop appliance of claim 5, wherein the second protrusion is positioned between the first protrusion and the third protrusion.
 7. The cooktop appliance of claim 5, wherein the aperture is a first aperture, wherein the alignment bracket further comprises a second aperture, wherein the third protrusion is positioned opposite the second protrusion about the second aperture, wherein the one control valve of the plurality of control valves is a first control valve of the plurality of control valves, wherein the alignment bracket is positioned between the spark switch of the first control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel and between the spark switch of a second control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel.
 8. The cooktop appliance of claim 1, wherein the alignment bracket comprises a top flange and a front panel, and wherein the aperture is defined in the front panel of the alignment bracket.
 9. A cooktop appliance, comprising: a panel defining a plurality of openings; a plurality of alignment slots defined in the panel, the plurality of alignment slots positioned adjacent one opening of the plurality of openings; a plurality of control valves mounted to the panel, each control valve of the plurality of control valves comprising a spark switch and a stem, the stem of each control valve extending through the panel at one corresponding opening of the plurality of openings of the panel; a plurality of knobs, each knob mounted to the stem of a respective one control valve of the plurality of control valves and positioned opposite the spark switch of the respective one control valve about the panel; and an alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel, the alignment bracket comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions of the alignment bracket extending through a respective one of the plurality of alignment slots.
 10. The cooktop appliance of claim 9, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises a first protrusion extending through a first alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots and a second protrusion extending through a second alignment slot of the plurality of alignment slots.
 11. The cooktop appliance of claim 10, wherein the alignment bracket further comprises an aperture, the stem of the one control valve extending through the aperture, and the second protrusion positioned opposite the first protrusion about the aperture.
 12. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein the plurality of protrusions further comprises a third protrusion, the third protrusion positioned opposite the first protrusion about the aperture, and wherein the first protrusion and the third protrusion are each oriented along a first direction, and the second protrusion is oriented along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction.
 13. The cooktop appliance of claim 12, wherein the second protrusion is positioned between the first protrusion and the third protrusion.
 14. The cooktop appliance of claim 12, wherein the aperture is a first aperture, wherein the alignment bracket further comprises a second aperture, wherein the third protrusion is positioned opposite the second protrusion about the second aperture, wherein the one control valve of the plurality of control valves is a first control valve of the plurality of control valves, wherein the alignment bracket is positioned between the spark switch of the first control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel and between the spark switch of a second control valve of the plurality of control valves and the panel.
 15. The cooktop appliance of claim 9, wherein the plurality of control valves are coupled to a single manifold pipe, the plurality of control valves comprising a first plurality of control valves coupled to the single manifold pipe at a first end of the single manifold pipe and a second plurality of control valves coupled to the single manifold pipe at a second end of the single manifold pipe, wherein the alignment bracket is a first alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the first plurality of control valves and the panel, further comprising a second alignment bracket between the spark switch of one control valve of the second plurality of control valves and the panel.
 16. The cooktop appliance of claim 9, wherein the plurality of control valves comprises a first plurality of control valves coupled to a first manifold pipe and a second plurality of control valves coupled to a second manifold pipe, the first manifold pipe coupled to a connecting pipe by a first fitting at a first end of the connecting pipe, the second manifold pipe coupled to the connecting pipe by a second fitting at a second end of the connecting pipe, wherein the alignment bracket is a first alignment bracket positioned between the spark switch of one control valve of the first plurality of control valves and the panel, further comprising a second alignment bracket between the spark switch of one control valve of the second plurality of control valves and the panel.
 17. The cooktop appliance of claim 9, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the alignment bracket comprises a lateral protrusion and a vertical protrusion.
 18. The cooktop appliance of claim 9, wherein the alignment bracket comprises a top flange and a front panel, and wherein an aperture is defined in the front panel of the alignment bracket. 